Most guests who roll into Gatlinburg head straight for the attractions on the Parkway or to the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While those are classics, some of the most memorable experiences happen in places you won’t find in your average travel brochure. If you’re itching to see a different side of Gatlinburg, there are a handful of places you’ll want to check out. Here are 5 hidden gems in Gatlinburg you don’t want to miss:
1. The Gatlinburg Wine Trail
If you love discovering local flavors, the Gatlinburg Wine Trail is one of the best hidden gems in Gatlinburg! It’s a self-guided tasting adventure that features 5 of the best wineries and cideries in the area, including Tennessee Homemade Wines. For just $10 a person, you get to sample delicious wines and ciders at each location. Whether you’re a wine pro or just here for a relaxed afternoon, the trail is a fun, tasty way to see a different side of Gatlinburg.
2. Elkmont Ghost Town
Tucked away deep in the woods of the national park is Elkmont Ghost Town, a favorite among hidden gems in Gatlinburg. It feels like a secret slice of history, a place where time stands still. What was once a thriving logging town and then a vacation spot in the early 1900s, is now a shell of itself. Today, you’ll find the remnants of dilapidated cabins and buildings plus a number of preserved cabins. What’s left tells the stories of early families in the Smokies. It’s a hit for history buffs and anyone with a camera.
3. Mysterious Mansion
In the mood for something spooky? Mysterious Mansion is a must! This family-owned and operated haunted house has been giving folks a good scare, with creaky floors, shadowy corners, and a few surprises that might just make you jump, since 1980. Stop by with your friends or your partner and see who jumps first. Even if haunted houses aren’t usually your thing, this one’s got real Gatlinburg character.
4. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
Just a short drive from downtown is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop packed with artists and their handmade work. From pottery and paintings to candles and wood carvings, you name it, someone here is making it by hand. It’s an area that showcases the creativity and craftsmanship that the area is known for. You can meet the artists, watch them work, and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs. If you love finding things that actually come from the place you’re visiting, this spot’s for you.
5. Ely’s Mill
For a true off-the-beaten-path stop, visit Ely’s Mill, one of the most peaceful and historic hidden gems in Gatlinburg. Located along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the national park, this historic grist mill has been here since the early 1900s and still oozes that old-school charm. There’s a shop filled with antiques, local crafts, and stuff that makes you feel nostalgic. The creek running by and the weathered wood of the mill make it a peaceful place to slow down and take in Gatlinburg’s past.
The next time you’re in town, check out these hidden gems in Gatlinburg. Planning to stop by Tennessee Homemade Wines or take the Gatlinburg Wine Trail? Check out all the different Tennessee wines and ciders you can enjoy a taste of!
